A murder inquiry was underway today after a 21-year-old man died in a brawl at a Queensbury house.

The victim, named by police as Philip John Moore, was killed when a fight broke out at a party.

Police were called to the house next to the Yorkshire Bank, in High Street, shortly after 2am yesterday. Mr Moore, of Ward Street, Great Horton, Bradford, was pronounced dead at the scene by ambulance staff.

A forensic post-mortem examination was carried out by a Home Office pathologist who found the cause of his death was multiple injuries.

A section of the road was cordoned off from the junction of Brighouse Road up to Chapel Street throughout yesterday while forensic experts carried out a finger-tip search. Police officers were guarding the house where the incident occurred and house-to-house inquiries were carried out. Fields and footpaths off Roper Lane were also searched for clues.

The inquiry is being led by Detective Superintendent Phil Sedgwick.

Inspector Dave Scholey, of West Yorkshire police, said detectives were still trying to piece together what had happened and he appealed for witnesses to come forward.

"An ambulance and police were called out to Queensbury just after 2am but when they arrived a man was pronounced dead at the scene," he said.

"Forensics have done a thorough search but we are still in the early stages of our inquiry."

An elderly resident, who did not want to be named, said she heard screaming and shouting from the house.

"The noise woke me, it was very frightening," she said.

"Then I heard the sirens and the police have been up here all day."

Councillor Michael Walls (Con, Queensbury) said it was a shocking incident and the main topic of conversation in the village.

"All we know is that there was a party or gathering of some sort and one man died in suspicious circumstances," he said.

"People are obviously very concerned that this has happened but it's no reflection on the village."

Councillor Andrew Smith (Con, Queensbury) said he was pleased at the speed the emergency services arrived.

"Within minutes of them being called out there were three police cars here and an ambulance," he said.

A WYMAS spokesman said no-one else was injured in the incident.

Detectives have appealed for anyone with information about Mr Moore's death to telephone (01274) 376259.

l A 25-year-old Bradford man was today being questioned at Toller Lane police station in connection with the incident.